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"I know that, but other people don't," Sebastian responds calmly.
"Other people are idiots," I scoff.
Sebastian nods his head as he watches Evan run back up and down the stairs while laughing. "True."
I watch Sebastian's face light up as he observes his son playing innocently in my cramped apartment. It's a strange sight, but I can't deny that I'm glad for him. He's found something worth living for, something to fight for. And it makes me jealous.
The laughter of the child echoes through the apartment, filling it with a rare warmth that's both comforting and unsettling. My life is anything but warm, and I can't help but wonder if things will ever change. Only time will tell, and for now, I have more pressing matters to attend to - like staying alive and keeping my family together.
"Alright," I say, tearing my gaze away from the happy scene. "Is there anything we can do about the situation with the Irish?"
Sebastian takes a swig of his beer before answering. "I think it's time for you to start making appearances."
"Appearances?" I scoff, feeling my pulse quicken at the thought. "I'll be dead before the end of the week."
"Maybe not if we do it right. Start small, with the right people. Counteract the distrust the Irish are trying to sow among our ranks."
"Who?"
He pauses. "Marco, Vinnie, and Alonzo," he finally says after giving it some thought.
"Those guys? You really think they can be trusted?"
"Absolutely," he says immediately. "Otherwise, I wouldn't suggest them."
I mull it over, weighing the risks. It's a bold move, but what other choice do I have? If the Irish continue to attack us from the inside, the family will crumble, leaving nothing worth saving. No one to follow us into battle if it comes to that.
"Alright," I agree reluctantly. "Set it up. But keep it small. Only those who can absolutely be trusted."
"Of course," Sebastian replies. I toss my empty beer can into the bin, wincing as I use my left arm. That damn gunshot wound still throbs, reminding me of my vulnerability.
"Damn it," I mutter, rubbing my shoulder.
Sebastian raises an eyebrow. "What's got into you?"
"Got shot," I say dryly, rolling my eyes.
"Really? When?"
"Few days ago."
"Who patched you up?" His curiosity is evident, and my mind immediately drifts to Evelyn. A blush creeps up my neck as I think about her skilled hands and how much I'd like to see what else they can do.
"A doctor Teddy knows," I manage to say, hoping he doesn't notice my reaction.
"Teddy always knows the weirdest people," Sebastian says, chuckling. "But if he did a good job, that's what matters."
I nod, trying to keep my thoughts in check. But Sebastian can't help himself. "Yeah, she did," I find myself saying.
"She?" Sebastian asks.
I nod, realizing I inadvertently gave away a piece of information I shouldn't have. That's pretty out of character for me.
"Never thought you'd let a woman work on you like that," he teases, grinning.
"Hey now," I snap, defensive. "Don't go putting words in my mouth. I use professional women all the time and very much enjoy their skills."
"Sure, different profession," he retorts, smirking. "But let's keep it clean for the kid."
